11/07/2020
SEXUAL HEALTH VAGINAL HEALTH
The Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Va**nal Discharge
Some Discharge Is a Sign of a Healthy Va**na.
Do you know the difference between normal va**nal discharge and abnormal va**nal discharge? Having discharge is a natural part of having a va**na, but sometimes changes in it can signal a problem. Let’s take a look at the various types of va**nal discharge so that you’ll know when yours is abnormal.
Signs of Abnormal Va**nal Discharge
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
The Natural Va**na
The basic function of your va**na is to provide a route from the outside of your va**na to your uterus and the rest of your internal reproductive system. The natural, acidic, pH of your va**na acts to prevent infections and is caused by natural, good, bacteria present in your va**na.1
On a "normal" day your va**na keeps itself clean and in a healthy state by producing clear, mucus-like secretions. The natural balance of the va**na can be disrupted by anything that interferes with its normal environment.2
Normal Discharge
First, it’s important to understand that all people with va**nas experience some amount of va**nal discharge. Glands in your va**na and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flows out of your body every day, taking with it old cells.
Your normal va**nal discharge helps to clean the va**na, as well as keep it lubricated and free from infection and other germs. It does not have a foul smell and typically has no odor at all. Normal va**nal discharge often appears clear or milky when it dries on your panties. Occasionally, you may notice a discharge that is thin and stringy looking. You might call it clear and snotty.
Things that can upset the natural pH balance of your va**na and lead to va**nal infections include:3
* Va**nal douches
* feminine hygiene products
* antibiotics
*Pregnancy
*Diabetes
Your Period Affects Va**nal Discharge
Your menstrual cycle has a significant effect on the type of va**nal discharge you experience throughout the month. About halfway between your periods, you will see a normal increase in clear va**nal discharge. This increased wetness and clear va**nal discharge signal ovulation. That is the time of the month when you are fertile and can get pregnant.
Did you know you’re more likely to experience va**nal infections just before or during your period? This is because the pH balance of your va**na varies during your monthly cycle, causing the acidic level of your to be at its lowest point a few days before and during your period.4
SIGNS OF ABNORMAL DISCHARGE
It's important to recognize the signs of abnormal va**nal discharge because it could be a sign of infection or other health condition. If you experience a va**nal discharge that suddenly and randomly increases, this may be a sign of a problem. Another change that may indicate a problem is a discharge that is bright yellow or greenish in color. A thick clumped or chunky discharge or a very watery discharge can also indicate that something is amiss in your va**na.
Some signs that may indicate an infection include:5
Changes in color, consistency (sometimes similar to cottage cheese), or amount
Itching, discomfort, or a rash
Va**nal burning during urination
The presence of blood when it’s not time for your period
A foul odor accompanied by yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white va**nal discharge
If you have a va**nal discharge along with any of the aforementioned signs, consult your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.
What Different Kinds of Discharge Indicate
If your discharge is whitish to pale yellow and thick and clumped and you have va**nal itching or burning you likely have a va**nal yeast infection.6
If you have a discharge that is heavier than usual, that is watery and grayish in color with a foul fishy odor, you likely have bacterial vaginosis.7
If you are having a va**nal discharge that suddenly increases in amount, that is green or yellowish that has a bad odor, or is causing va**nal symptoms you should see your doctor to determine the cause and to get treatment.
Common Va**nal Infections
Common causes of abnormal va**nal discharges include:8
Bacterial vaginosis (BV): This is the most common va**nal infection, caused by bacteria. It is treated with antibiotics and won't respond to over-the-counter treatments for yeast infection.
Va**nal yeast infections: Va**nal yeast infections are also very common and over-the-counter treatments are available. However, it’s important to never self-diagnose a va**nal yeast infection unless you have previously been diagnosed by your health care provider.
Trichomoniasis
Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Forgetting to remove a tampon
Other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or infections (STIs)
Treatment
The treatment for your va**nal discharge will depend on the underlying cause. For a yeast infection, you can get over-the-counter clotrimazole (Monistat),9 but you may want to consult your healthcare provider before self-treating.
For bacterial vaginosis, a prescription is needed. Usually, your healthcare provider will prescribe va**nal metronidazole gel.
A Word From Verywell
Knowing what is normal va**nal discharge and what indicates a problem is important at any age. As you become familiar with what is normal for you, be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual changes.
